Statewide Earthquake Drill held

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By Debbie Fitzpatrick

Moberly Monitor-Index - Moberly, MO

By Debbie Fitzpatrick

Posted Feb. 7, 2013 at 1:00 PM

By Debbie Fitzpatrick

Posted Feb. 7, 2013 at 1:00 PM

Moberly, Mo.

"We've all heard what to do when there's a fire like if you are on fire, stop drop and roll, or the building you are in is on fire, drop to the floor, check door handles, close doors behind you and crawl to the nearest exit. But what are we supposed to do when there's an earthquake? Well according to the website earthquakecountry.info you're supposed to DROP, COVER and HOLD-ON!

This practice will help to reduce injury and death during an earthquake. When the shake-up starts the first instinct is to run outside if you're in a building, or perhaps got under a table or desk. However, many have never experienced the kind of strong earthquake shaking that is possible in a much larger episode. Sudden and intense swaying motions of several feet per second will cause the floor or the ground to jerk sideways out from under you and every unsecured object could fall or become airborne, possibly causing injury or even death. That's why you need to know how to protect yourself after the first jolt. Precautionary steps include:

•DROP down onto all fours so the quake won't knock you down. This will protect you from falling but allows you to still move if necessary.

•COVER your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk. If a table or desk are not available get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won't likely fall on you and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.

•HOLD ON to your shelter (if not to your head and neck) until the shake stops.

Wherever you are, protect yourself. It's possible that you may be somewhere that doesn't have furniture or a desk or table available to take cover under. In cases like driving, in a theater, in bed, or at the beach, it's important to:

•Avoid windows and other hazards

•If in a store you can shelter under a shopping cart or get inside clothing racks

•If outdoors move to a clear area if you can safely do so, avoid power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles and other hazards

•If driving, pull over to the side of the road, stop and set the parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards. Stay inside until the shaking stops.

•In a stadium or theater, stay at your seat or drop to the floor between rows and protect your head and neck with your arms.

•Near the shore, drop, cover and hold on. If shaking continues for more than 20 seconds seek higher ground as temblors can cause tsunami waves if the center is under water or close by.

These are a few of the tips you can use just in case an earthquake should strike. It never hurts to be prepared JUST IN CASE!